MSI P67A-GD80 (B3): Flagship LGA1155 Mainboard from Micro-Star

This mainboard stands out among most similar solutions due to larger number of USB 3.0 ports. It works fine in nominal mode, proves effective during memory overclocking, but like other MSI mainboards, it loses its power-saving technologies during overclocking with voltage adjustment.

Our experience with new Micro-Star mainboards based on Intel P67 Express chipset got off to a rough start. The first MSI P67A-GD65 sample that we received shortly before the launch of the then new core logic set suffered an unfortunate death by the will of nature. The second sample we received didn’t work quite correctly; besides, at that point we already knew about the issue with the Intel chipsets, so we decided not to proceed with the review. But whatever happens always happens for the best, because the third package from MSI contained a completely new model – MSI P67A-GD80 (B3). This is an extraordinary mainboard, a top solution in the entire line-up and it is going to be the star of our today’s review.

Package and Accessories

MSI P67A-GD80 (B3) mainboard is based on the refreshed B3 version of the Intel P67 Express chipset. You can find the indication of it not only on the box, but also in the mainboard model name. There is a photo of the mainboard behind the flip-cover in the front and on the back of the box alongside with the brief description of the mainboard’s key features.

This product comes with an elaborate accessories bundle, because it is one of the top flagship products:

Four SATA cables with metal connector locks, two with L-shaped locks and another two - with straight ones;

Tow power-adapters for SATA drives;

A flexible bridge for two-way SLI graphics configurations;

Additional rear panel bracket with two USB 3.0 ports;

I/O Shield for the back panel;

“M-Connector” block including modules for easy connection of the system case front panel buttons and indicators, audio, IEEE1394 and USB 2.0 ports;

“V-Check Cable” adapter set for manual voltage monitoring with a voltmeter;